1. plural of unction; acts of anointing with oil, especially in religious ceremonies
Usage: religious
2. plural of unction; instances of excessive or insincere earnestness in speech or manner
Usage: formal

Examples

• The priest performed the sacred unctions during the ordination ceremony.
• Multiple unctions were administered to the sick parishioners.
• The bishop’s unctions were conducted with great solemnity.
• His speeches were filled with false unctions that fooled no one.
• The politician’s unctions during the debate seemed rehearsed and hollow.
• She detected the unctions in his apology and remained skeptical.